Forestry

Program Overview

Quick Facts

Master of Science in Forestry

Program Description

The Master of Science in Forestry (MScF) is a research- and thesis-based program in areas relevant to faculty expertise and funding. These include forest conservation biology and wildlife ecology, forest biosphere science, invasive species and threats to forest health, environmental sustainability of managed forests, fire and ecosystem management, forest conservation planning, sustainable development and economics, political ecology and governance of forests, social and cultural ecology of forest ecosystems, urban forestry, and forest biomaterials science and engineering.

The department considers applicants from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds including forestry; applied science and engineering; and social, physical, and biological sciences.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Forestry's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with a final-year average of at least mid-B. A minimum of B+ is required for the collaborative specialization.

• Additional documentation must be submitted to the department with a completed application form, including transcripts, three references, a letter of intent, a resumé, and a writing sample. See the full instructions and forms.

Program Requirements

• Minimal requirements for this degree are:

  • 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) as follows:

    • FOR1001H Graduate Seminar (0.5 FCE) plus

    • 0.5 FCE elective.

    • Depending on the student's background, additional or alternative coursework may be required.

  • The preparation of a research thesis of acceptable quality and its oral defence.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD is a research- and thesis-based program in areas relevant to faculty expertise and funding. These include forest conservation biology and wildlife ecology, forest biosphere science, invasive species and threats to forest health, environmental sustainability of managed forests, fire and ecosystem management, forest conservation planning, sustainable development and economics, political ecology and governance of forests, social and cultural ecology of forest ecosystems, urban forestry, and forest biomaterials science and engineering.

The department considers applicants from a variety of backgrounds including forestry; applied science and engineering; and social, physical, and biological sciences.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MScF program; or 3) direct entry following completion of an appropriate bachelor’s degree.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Forestry's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants may be admitted to the four-year PhD program via completion of an appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with at least an A- standing, in a discipline appropriate to the intended field of doctoral study and research.

• Applicants must submit additional documentation to the department with completed application form, including transcripts, three references, a letter of intent, a resumé, and a writing sample. See the full instructions and forms.

Program Requirements

• Successful completion of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • A minimum of three elective half courses (1.5 FCEs) must be taken. Depending on the student's background and academic goals, additional or alternative coursework may be required by the student's supervisory committee, including courses outside the Graduate Department of Forestry.

  • FOR1001H Graduate Seminar (0.5 FCE).

• Successful completion of a qualifying appraisal examination. The examination will be oral and will ordinarily be taken prior to the completion of 24 months in the program. There are three possible outcomes: pass, decision deferred pending supplementary undertakings, or unsatisfactory. If there is more than one negative vote, the outcome will be judged unsatisfactory. Students are permitted one further attempt.

• Preparation and defence of a thesis that is an original and independent research work adding significantly to the existing body of knowledge.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

• Under certain specific conditions, outstanding registered MScF students may be considered by the end of Year 1 in the MScF program for transfer to the PhD program.

Program Requirements

• Successful completion of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • A minimum of three elective half courses (1.5 FCEs) must be taken. To meet this requirement, students can use courses completed towards meeting MScF program requirements. Depending on the student's background and academic goals, additional or alternative coursework may be required by the student's supervisory committee, including courses outside the Graduate Department of Forestry.

  • FOR1001H Graduate Seminar (0.5 FCE). Students require credit for FOR1001H only once.

• Successful completion of a qualifying appraisal examination. The examination will be oral and will ordinarily be taken prior to the completion of 24 months in the program. There are three possible outcomes: pass, decision deferred pending supplementary undertakings, or unsatisfactory. If there is more than one negative vote, the outcome will be judged unsatisfactory. Students are permitted one further attempt.

• Preparation and defence of a thesis that is an original and independent research work adding significantly to the existing body of knowledge.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Forestry's additional admission requirements stated below.

• In exceptional circumstances, an extraordinarily strong applicant with an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university may be admitted to the PhD program via direct entry.

• Applicants must submit additional documentation to the department with completed application form, including transcripts, three references, a letter of intent, a resumé, and a writing sample. See the full instructions and forms.

Program Requirements

• Successful completion of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • A minimum of three elective half courses (1.5 FCEs) must be taken. Depending on the student's background and academic goals, additional or alternative coursework may be required by the student's supervisory committee, including courses outside the Graduate Department of Forestry.

  • FOR1001H Graduate Seminar (0.5 FCE).

• Successful completion of a qualifying appraisal examination. The examination will be oral and will ordinarily be taken prior to the completion of 24 months in the program. There are three possible outcomes: pass, decision deferred pending supplementary undertakings, or unsatisfactory. If there is more than one negative vote, the outcome will be judged unsatisfactory. Students are permitted one further attempt.

• Preparation and defence of a thesis that is an original and independent research work adding significantly to the existing body of knowledge.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years